Medication Adherence
Medication adherence is often identified by its shortcomings, which include suboptimal outcomes, higher rates of hospital admissions, increased morbidity and mortality, and rising healthcare costs. In fact, out of 4 billion prescriptions written annually, one in five new prescriptions are never filled.
Before we explore the many issues related to medication adherence, let’s discuss what it is, a few ways it’s traditionally defined, and some of the most significant challenges healthcare providers face when working to achieve medication adherence..
Medication Adherence Definitions:
While many organizations define medication adherence slightly differently, each of the below definitions expresses a similar meaning.
adherence, which include ways to prevent medication nonadherence.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Medication adherence, or taking medications correctly, is generally defined as the extent to which patients take medication as prescribed by their doctors. This involves factors such as getting prescriptions filled, remembering to take medication on time, and understanding the directions.
The American Medical Association
“Medication adherence, or taking medications correctly, is generally defined as the extent to which patients take medication as prescribed by their doctors. This involves factors such as getting prescriptions filled, remembering to take medication on time, and understanding the directions.”
The American Medical Association.
“A patient is considered adherent if they take 80% of their prescribed medicine(s). If patients take less than 80% of their prescribed medication(s), they are considered nonadherent.” (Source)
Prescriptions for a Healthy America.
“Medication adherence occurs when a patient takes their medications according to the prescribed dosage, time, frequency, and direction.”
Medication Adherence Challenges
Now that we’ve reviewed the definition for medication adherence, let’s explore some of its top challenges.
Ability to pay for medications – This is a major barrier for patients, and one that is often made even more difficult by high-deductible health plans, according to data published from JAMA.
Low health literacy – Defined as “… the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions,” low health literacy can cause medication nonadherence when patients cannot grasp critical concepts. These include how to fill a medication, how to take a medication, when to take a medication, how much of a medication to take, and when and how to refill a medication.
Side effects – Adverse side effects are another major obstacle to medication adherence. When patients experience undesirable side effects, such as weight gain, nausea/upset stomach, dizziness/fatigue, and skin irritation, they’re less likely to continue with their medication as prescribed.
Polypharmacy – Patients who take at least five medications is often referred to as polypharmacy. This can create challenges for patients, as mistakes due to managing a complex dosing schedule, instruction confusion, multiple side effects, and greater expenses.
It’s vital for providers to understand each of these issues related to medication adherence so you can easily recognize them and find solutions for patients dealing with such challenges. Later, we’ll share the many opportunities to improve medication
